ALERT!

When your partner makes an alertable call, say “alert” and tap, lift or otherwise indicate the alert card. IF, and only if, your RHO asks what it means, explain the meaning of the call; do not say, for example”that's Bergen” or “that's Cappeletti”; tell them it shows 4 trump with invitational strength, or it shows the majors or whatever is the meaning of that particular call.

If you have made a call that your partner has failed to alert:

a. If your side is declaring, make sure your opponents are aware of the missed alert before they lead.

b. If your side is defending, wait until the hand is over and then explain there was a missed alert.

In either case, the opponents may wish to call the director if they feel they have been damaged.

You have a right to ask the meaning of a call whenever it is your turn; however, asking questions if you have no immediate reason to know is disrupting, time consuming and may give your partner unauthorized information. Unless the meaning of their call affects your call—you may wish to bid or double-- save all the questions until before you lead or your partner makes a face-down lead.

Don't ask the meaning of a call if you know the answer but think your partner may not—it's against the rules to ask a question solely for partner's benefit.